Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently encountered a Beardie that for lack of a better term. Walked on it's wrists. It also layed with it's legs pointing to the rear. It seems like some sort of palsy? Has anyone ever encountered this? Do they know what this is?

Sounds like MBD....and it needs to be looked after ASAP.

What do you mean encountered? In the wild?

Walking on the 'wrists' usually means MBD or other similar problems. If he was like this from birth, then I would say it is a possible genetic problem or birth defect which may or may not correct itself in time. However in the past when people have posted their dragon walks with their feet curled back so they are walking on their wrists/ankles instead of their palms/soles of their feet as they should be, its MBD.
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PHLdyPayne

If it were MBD, wouldn't that be from UVB. Or lack of, I should say? She was kept with two other Beardies the whole time and they have no indication of having simular behaviors? Someone said something about in the wild? I must of missed what I wrote, I didn't see it. I wish I were witty enough to post pictures on here. Computer have always been a area were I am lacking skills.

MBD is caused by one of several factors. Insufficient exposure to UVB rays, insufficient calcium intake, insufficient basking time at idea temperatures to ensure proper digestion, foods which are high in oxates or other components which inhibit absorption of calcium.

It is possible for one dragon housed with many to show signs of MBD and the others not showing any at all. One or more of the 'healthy' dragons may be preventing the unhealthy one from getting proper basking, insufficient food etc. Stress could be a factor as well.

To be honest, the only way to know exactly what is going on with the problem dragon is to give full details of his husbandry, including answering questions like the following:

How old is the dragon?
How long has he been this way?
What is his age?
What is his weight?
Is he housed alone? (I believe you said he was housed with several dragons)
If housed with other dragons, how big/old/weight of other dragons and what are their sexes?

How big is the cage/enclosure? (length x width x height)
What substrate is currently being used? Was it recently changed?
What sort of food is offered daily?
Are supplements used? (ie vitamin and calcium powders)
What is the basking temperature?
What is the ambient temperature in the warm end? How about the cool end?
Does he have access to UVB?

Knowing these questions and others, will make it easier to assess what could be wrong. As it is, we really don't know what is going on.

As for BDLvr's question, he meant where did you encounter this dragon who walked on his wrists...friends animal or petstore etc?
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PHLdyPayne

There are posters here from all over the world including Australia. The word "encountered" sounds like you came across one where one would not be expected.

Regardless, I would separate that dragon and evaluate his condition. Every animal is different and their tolerance for marginal husbandry differs. As LdyPayne suggested if you can state his conditions, posters here will be happy to offer suggestions. Just keep in mind, MBD increases in severity as time goes by. Untreated the animal will eventually lose muscle control and die. Calcium is needed for all bodily functions.